As an English/ Greek couple using the hotel to attend a wedding and also to celebrate our own wedding anniversary, it was disappointing to find a hotel which was denying Greece. We only found one member of staff who spoke Greek at reception. From the hotel site we were certainly not expecting a package holiday type hotel where pool beds are grabbed at 8 oclock in the morning. The resort was described as a 'small lovely village' and 'authentic Greece' but Russian was the main language and the 'village' was a series of bars/restaurants right on the sand. Only the beach umbrellas of the famous Mononaftis bay were visible from the hotel due to the square, cement buildings built on the hillside in front. Wi-Fi reception was only available if you hung off the balcony ( a fact known to the staff) and our Superior Sea view only had a sea view if you stood up, since the balcony wall was made of stone! So a relaxing evening at our Sea View room was really spent looking at the sky or leaning over the balcony.
Having said that, the staff at the hotel were superb - particularly Maria at Reception and Alex at the bar.

We stayed at the Nymphes in September 2009. The hotel is in a great location for exploring the island of Crete, just west of Heraklion and not too far off the main road. Perched high on a hill on a rough, narrow road, you will definitely want to rent a car if you stay here. Our double room on the top floor included everything we needed... a large wardrobe, a kitchenette, a table and chairs and a tiny shower. The view from the private balcony overlooks the town of Agia Pelagia and the Cretan Sea. We would start our day with a coffee on the balcony, and in the evening we would just sit and watch the stars, the twinkling lights of the town, and later, the lights of two cruise ships passing in the night. The owner, her staff, and her many cats helped to make this a very pleasant stay. I would highly recommend this hotel!

Pocket Guide: Heraklion Agia Pelagia Hotels

Tucked away off the main road 20 kilometres west of Heraklion, low-key Agia Pelagia is built into a hillside above a sheltered bay. It offers a decent choice of mid-range hotels and apartments, most of which have sea views. The sandy main beach curves around the bay and is overlooked by tavernas and cafes. It offers sunloungers and good water sports facilities. Nearby, several more bays have smaller, less equipped beaches.

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